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GMAT555
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Do business schools read every essay? 24 Mar 2021, 17:00
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I'm wondering if b-schools discard applications on the basis of CV, grades, test scores etc., and read only the essays of those who have made it past the first filter.

Or do they always read every essay that comes in? I'm talking specifically about Harvard, Stanford, Sloan etc.
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AndrewN
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Do business schools read every essay? 25 Mar 2021, 11:52
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GMAT555
I'm wondering if b-schools discard applications on the basis of CV, grades, test scores etc., and read only the essays of those who have made it past the first filter.

Or do they always read every essay that comes in? I'm talking specifically about Harvard, Stanford, Sloan etc.
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Hello, GMAT555. I cannot speak for the admissions committees at any of the schools you listed, but I did work in a university president's office at one time, and I came to appreciate that some applications are fast-tracked to a "potential" pile, while others are fast-tracked to the garbage, more or less. Not to take sides on anything, but an application from a lower-middle-class male from an overrepresented candidate pool who does not stand out in terms of GPA, test scores, or work experience will probably not garner any essay attention from an admissions committee. That would just be considered a poor use of time. When thousands of applications fly in the door for a couple hundred slots, and many of the applicants have stellar credentials, it is their essays that will take priority. (Many of these candidates even receive coaching from admissions consultants so that their essays are in tip-top shape, they are interview-ready, and, well, they can put their best foot forward every step of the way.)

This is not to discourage you at all. Just set realistic expectations. The best essay will not gain someone admission to an elite school if the rest of the application package is lacking.

Good luck.

- Andrew
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Do business schools read every essay? 25 Mar 2021, 15:00
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GMAT555
I'm wondering if b-schools discard applications on the basis of CV, grades, test scores etc., and read only the essays of those who have made it past the first filter.

Or do they always read every essay that comes in? I'm talking specifically about Harvard, Stanford, Sloan etc.
Hello, GMAT555. I cannot speak for the admissions committees at any of the schools you listed, but I did work in a university president's office at one time, and I came to appreciate that some applications are fast-tracked to a "potential" pile, while others are fast-tracked to the garbage, more or less. Not to take sides on anything, but an application from a lower-middle-class male from an overrepresented candidate pool who does not stand out in terms of GPA, test scores, or work experience will probably not garner any essay attention from an admissions committee. That would just be considered a poor use of time. When thousands of applications fly in the door for a couple hundred slots, and many of the applicants have stellar credentials, it is their essays that will take priority. (Many of these candidates even receive coaching from admissions consultants so that their essays are in tip-top shape, they are interview-ready, and, well, they can put their best foot forward every step of the way.)

This is not to discourage you at all. Just set realistic expectations. The best essay will not gain someone admission to an elite school if the rest of the application package is lacking.

Good luck.

- Andrew
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Thanks. I have a solid profile, but after taking the TOEFL I’m a few points off Harvard’s cutoff, despite being a native speaker. I asked this question precisely because of what you’ve said, I imagine my application will get binned in a millisecond (perhaps by a computer), because of the TOEFL score.

I suppose I’ll have retake it, it’s probably the wisest thing to do, despite the blow to my wallet.

Posted from my mobile device
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Do business schools read every essay? 25 Mar 2021, 17:49
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Quote:
I cannot speak for the admissions committees at any of the schools you listed, but I did work in a university president's office at one time, and I came to appreciate that some applications are fast-tracked to a "potential" pile, while others are fast-tracked to the garbage, more or less. Not to take sides on anything, but an application from a lower-middle-class male from an overrepresented candidate pool who does not stand out in terms of GPA, test scores, or work experience will probably not garner any essay attention from an admissions committee. That would just be considered a poor use of time. When thousands of applications fly in the door for a couple hundred slots, and many of the applicants have stellar credentials, it is their essays that will take priority. (Many of these candidates even receive coaching from admissions consultants so that their essays are in tip-top shape, they are interview-ready, and, well, they can put their best foot forward every step of the way.)

This is not to discourage you at all. Just set realistic expectations. The best essay will not gain someone admission to an elite school if the rest of the application package is lacking.

Good luck.

- Andrew
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In addition to Andrew, I would like to say that take every challenge as an opportunity to learn something that is the key for success.
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Do business schools read every essay? 26 Mar 2021, 09:01
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GMAT555

Thanks. I have a solid profile, but after taking the TOEFL I’m a few points off Harvard’s cutoff, despite being a native speaker. I asked this question precisely because of what you’ve said, I imagine my application will get binned in a millisecond (perhaps by a computer), because of the TOEFL score.

I suppose I’ll have retake it, it’s probably the wisest thing to do, despite the blow to my wallet.

Posted from my mobile device
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I provide honest feedback, whatever else someone may think of my replies or posts. I am confused: why would a native English speaker have to take the TOEFL? Furthermore, how did you not hit the mark? (Did you simply take for granted that you would do well and then find the test a complete surprise?) In any case, yes, take the TOEFL again if you must and you want to apply to Harvard. Get everything in the best shape possible so that you will not have to look back in disappointment and wonder whether that one weak link was what kept you out. (I had such an experience with the same school in my last year of undergrad. My application was fine, except that one of my recommenders was dragging his feet, so my incomplete application remained incomplete until well after the deadline. I made sure, after sitting out a year, that I asked the right people to write my letters of recommendation the next time around. The outcome was different.)

I am sure that if you took the test again, earned a better score, and gained admission to Harvard, the ROI would be well worth it. Study as hard and as intelligently as you can, nail the test, and write the best essays you can.

Good luck.

- Andrew